"Discussions are also taking place with their gymnastic team about what else we can offer."

The executive director of the Japan Swimming Federation, Koji Ueno, added: "Hopefully we can achieve some good results at the games by using the fantastic facilities at Basildon for the final conditioning training."

The agreement marks the first overseas delegation to commit to using one of the potential training camps in Essex.

The British diving team has already expressed an interest in using the Southend Swimming and Diving Centre in the build-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.